psoriasis

Experimental psoriasis drug beats Enbrel in study

John Carroll — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:36:55 -0400

In an unusual head-to-head study, researchers for Johnson & Johnson's Centocor announced that their experimental therapy for psoriasis outperformed the leading biologic therapy in eliminating red, scaly skin patches. Data from the late-stage study demonstrated that ustekinumab reduced the patches by at least three quarters among 74 percent of patients in the 90 mg dose group and 68 percent in the 45 mg group. Only 57 percent of patients taking Enbrel, meanwhile, had a similar response.

"Now we have a drug that will be used less frequently...with a significant increase in effectiveness," said Dr. Alan Menzer, chairman of psoriasis research at Baylor Research Institute. "These results are as good as we've seen in psoriasis."

J&J has applied for marketing approval and is expecting a decision from the FDA before the end of this year. And analysts have been upbeat about J&J's drug, noting that current therapies are expensive, have to be injected and are linked to serious side effects.

- check out the AP report

J&J psoriasis drug may carry cancer risk

Maureen Martino — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:19:19 -0400

Outside experts are preparing to review ustekinumab, Centocor's injectable treatment for severe psoriasis. Two Phase III studies demonstrated positive results, but staffers will have to consider possible increased risk of cancer associated with the drug. Animal studies indicated that the drug may encourage tumor growth. "Long-term use of ustekinumab may lead to increased risk of tumor development in psoriasis patients," FDA reviewers noted. Centoror, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is expecting an FDA decision by September.

Though ustekinumab may have produced impressive results in trials, J&J may have an uphill battle convincing insurers to cover the expensive drug for patients with severe forms of psoriasis. Insurers would prefer members to stick with older, cheaper psoriasis drugs rather than allow them to switch to one of the newer biologics that have hit the market.

- see this report for details

Italy's Creabilis garners €20M in Series A

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:59:56 -0400

The Italian biotech Creabilis Therapeutics has raised €20 million from a pair of leading venture capital groups. The money is earmarked for three mid-stage studies of CT327 for psoriasis and dermatitis and CT200, which is being developed for Behcet's Disease. The financing was led by Sofinnova Partners, which was joined in the funding round by NeoMed Management.

"We believe this is the first time an Italian start up has been financed by leading international VCs and we are proud to have attracted two experienced life science investors to support our company," said Alfredo Boni, President and co-founder of Creabilis Therapeutics. "Their support reflects the excellence of our R&D capabilities and our ability to deliver on the vision of becoming a leading specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology."

- read the press release

Celgene touts mid-stage psoriasis results

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:59:56 -0500

Researchers for Celgene are changing the dosing and duration of their tests of an experimental psoriasis drug after seeing a significant reduction in severity and symptoms in a mid-stage study. A 260-patient study of CC-10004 demonstrated that 24.4 percent of patients treated with 20 milligrams of CC-10004 every 12 hours had a 75 percent or greater reduction in psoriasis severity and symptoms. A placebo registered a 10.3 percent reduction. Patients can now get doses of 30 mgs for up to six months and Celgene will expand the trial to include related conditions. No serious side effects were reported.

- see this release
- check out the AFX report

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GSK, Tolerx forge $760M development pact

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Tolerx has scored a Big Pharma partner in its race to develop a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that may protect people from autoimmune disease. Its chief competitor in the race is MacroGenics, which just days ago announced its licensing deal with Eli Lilly for teplizumab. Both companies are advancing an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Tolerx says that its MAb binds to the CD3 receptor on T cells, blocking a function of T-effector cells that cause autoimmune disease. The biotech has struck its deal with GlaxoSmithKline right at the sweet spot in the deal-making calendar: Tolerx has its therapy--otelixizumab--headed into Phase III trials for type 1 diabetes. Mid-stage trials demonstrated its effectiveness in lowering the need for insulin therapy. The therapy has also been studied in two Phase I trials in psoriasis.

Under the terms of the deal, Tolerx gets $70 million in upfront fees, equity and advanced R&D funds, up to $155 million in future development costs, $350 million in scheduled milestones for a successful program and $175 million in sales milestones. As a further sweetener, Glaxo will invest up to $10 million in Tolerx stock when it goes public. Tolerx will be responsible for a late-stage study of the therapy for type 1 diabetes through the biologics license application. Tolerx also keeps an option to co-promote the therapy for type 1 in the U.S. while Glaxo gains exclusive rights to all other indications in the rest of the world.

"Otelixizumab is another welcome addition to GSK's rapidly expanding biopharmaceuticals pipeline. This is a key area of future growth and investment for GSK and, as a novel treatment for many T cell-mediated diseases, the potential of otelixizumab is significant," says Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chairman of research and development at GSK.

- see the release for more info

ALSO: For more on Tolerx and its race with MacroGenics, read this profile.

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Strong Phase III data for J&J's psoriasis drug

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:59:56 -0400

Centocor, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced promising Phase III results for ustekinumab (CNTO 1275), a treatment for psoriasis. The data showed that more than two-thirds of patients who received two doses of ustekinumab achieved at least a 75 percent reduction in psoriasis at week 12, which was the primary endpoint of the study. Ustekinumab is a fully-human monoclonal antibody that targets the cytokines interleukin-12 and interleukin-23.

"We are encouraged by the results from the Phase 3 program and look forward to collaborating with regulatory authorities around the world in an effort to bring ustekinumab to physicians and patients in need of new therapeutic options," stated Jerome Boscia, MD, Centocor's senior vice president of Clinical R&D. The findings were presented at the World Congress of Dermatology in Argentina.

- see the release for more

Related Articles:
Insurers shun new biologics for psoriasis. Report
Biotech drugs offer first real help for severe psoriasis. Report
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CollaGenex bails on rosacea therapy

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 06:59:58 -0400

CollaGenex delivered a cold shower of clinical data on investors this morning, acknowledging that a mid-stage trial of incyclinide for rosacea was ineffective in reducing lesions. Patients taking the drug did no better than the group taking a placebo. The biotech company had hoped that they had an even better rosacea therapy that Oracea, which was launched last year. CEO Colin Stewart said that that strategy was no longer workable, but that the therapy would continue to be studied as a treatment for acne. CollaGenex is also pursuing new studies of drugs for psoriasis, erythema and other inflammatory skin conditions. CollaGenex shares swiftly plunged 13 percent in premarket trading.

- see CollaGenex's release for more

Related Articles:
CollaGenex touts Phase IV Oracea data. Report
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Array partners with Celgene, nets $40M upfront

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:59:55 -0400

Tiny Array BioPharma has lined itself up with Celgene in a deal that delivers $40 million in exchange for the marketing rights to two of Array's experimental therapies. But that wasn't a big enough figure to impress analysts, who were looking for a richer deal. Array's stock slipped this morning after the pact was announced.

The way this deal will work, Array and Celgene will identify four products that Array will take through Phase I or Phase IIa. Celgene then gets to gain worldwide marketing rights to two therapies, with Array retaining limited co-promotion rights in the U.S. The deal includes milestone payments of up to $200 million for each therapy and up to $300 million for commercial milestones.

- see this release on the deal

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Array, Genentech expand research pact Genentech. Report
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Press Release: Stiefel Laboratories Receives FDA Approval Of Olux-E Foam, 0.05%

Maureen Martino — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:17:06 -0500

Stiefel Laboratories Receives FDA Approval Of Olux-E (Clobetasol Propionate) Foam, 0.05% For Treatment Of Psoriasis And Eczema

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Olux-E(TM) (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%. Olux-E is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, also known as psoriasis and eczema, in patients 12 years of age or older. In clinical studies, Olux-E was shown to safely and effectively reduce the symptoms associated with psoriasis and eczema. Olux-E is expected to be available in U.S. pharmacies by March 2007 in 50 gram and 100 gram canisters. Source: Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

"My patients found Olux-E was easier to apply, disappeared more quickly into the skin, and did not have the sticky feel of an ointment or cream," commented Joel Schlessinger M.D., Study Investigator, Director of the Advanced Skin Research Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and President of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. "Foams just seem to be patient-preferred over gels, creams, ointments or solutions."

"I believe that this new foam will allow my patients to effectively and easily treat their body dermatoses. This vehicle is designed to be non-stinging and contains ingredients with moisturizing properties that I believe will be very appropriate for not only my patients with psoriasis but also those with eczema," commented Linda Stein Gold, M.D., Study Investigator and Director Dermatology Clinical Research, Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.

About Olux-E

Olux-E is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 12 years of age or older. Treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks, and patients should not use greater than 50 grams per week. Olux-E has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The pooled incidence of local adverse reactions in controlled clinical trials for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and mild-to-moderate plaque-type psoriasis with Olux-E was 1.9% for application site atrophy and 1.6% for application site reaction.

About VersaFoam®

The VersaFoam vehicle is a unique, patented and versatile foam formulation for delivering medications such as corticosteroids and antibiotics into the skin. There are two currently marketed VersaFoam formulations designed for specific patient preferences and skin types: VersaFoam-HF(TM) Hydroethanolic Formulation which is neither hydrating nor drying, and VersaFoam-EF(TM) Emulsion Formulation, which provides many of the benefits of ointments, creams and emollient-cream vehicles. Products formulated with VersaFoam-HF include: Olux® (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%; Luxiq® (betamethasone valerate) Foam, 0.12%; and Evoclin® (clindamycin phosphate) Foam, 1%. Products formulated with VersaFoam-EF are Olux-E(TM) (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%, and Verdeso(TM) (desonide) Foam, 0.05%. Products delivered via VersaFoam technology are easy to apply and spread, disappear into the skin quickly, and offer the cosmetic elegance of a fine skin care product. For more information on VersaFoam, visit www.versafoam.com.

About Psoriasis and Eczema

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), between 5.8 and 7.5 million in the U.S. have psoriasis, which affects men and women of all age groups and races. Psoriasis is caused by excess inflammation and results in red, thickened, scale-like areas on the skin. There is currently no cure for psoriasis. Physicians most frequently help patients manage their disease and flare-ups with prescription-based steroid creams, ointments, gels, and solutions used to reduce inflammation and temporarily clear or control the disease. For more information on psoriasis, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), more than 15 million people in the U.S. have symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Eczema is caused by excess inflammation and results in blistering, oozing, itchy patches. There is currently no cure for eczema. Physicians most frequently help patients manage their disease and flare-ups with prescription-based steroid creams, ointments, gels, and solutions used to reduce inflammation and temporarily clear or control the disease. For more information on eczema, visit the National Eczema Association for Science and Education at www.nationaleczema.org.

About Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

Founded in 1847, Stiefel Laboratories (a privately held company) is the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology. The company manufactures and markets a variety of prescription and non-prescription dermatological products. Some of the newest and best-known brands include Duac® (clindamycin, 1%-benzoyl peroxide, 5%) Topical Gel; Evoclin® (clindamycin phosphate) Foam, 1%; Luxiq® (betamethasone valerate) Foam, 0.12%; MimyX(TM) Cream; Olux® (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%; Olux-E(TM) (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%; Soriatane® (acitretin) capsules; Verdeso(TM) (desonide) Foam, 0.05%; Brevoxyl® Creamy Wash; Oilatum®; and Sarna®. Its wholly-owned global network is comprised of more than 30 subsidiaries, including the recently acquired Connetics, manufacturing plants in six countries, research and development facilities on four continents, and products marketed in more than 100 countries around the world.

Stiefel Laboratories supplements its R&D efforts by aggressively seeking acquisitions of dermatological product lines and companies around the world. To learn more about Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., visit www.stiefel.com.

Full prescribing information can be found at www.OLUX-E.com.

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5316066

Contact: Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Denise Ulrich, 678-765-4104 (Media) Cellular: 770-656-9338 dulrich@stiefel.com

Press Release: Pharmacopeia Enters Into a Research and License Agreement With Wyeth

Maureen Martino — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:23:55 -0500

Pharmacopeia Enters Into a Research and License Agreement With Wyeth to Develop Novel JAK3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Immunological and Inflammatory Diseases

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 4 -- Pharmacopeia (Nasdaq: PCOP - News), an innovator in the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics, today announced the signing of an exclusive Research and License Agreement with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE - News). The alliance is based on Pharmacopeia's JAK3 inhibitor program and it will be focused on the research, development and commercialization of JAK3 inhibitor-based therapeutic products. Inhibition of JAK3 has been shown in both preclinical and clinical studies to modulate disease outcomes, and given its critical function in activated T-cells, offers significant potential for the development of novel and improved treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and certain other immunological conditions.

The companies each have the exclusive right to develop and commercialize products resulting from the research collaboration. Pharmacopeia retains the right to develop and commercialize therapeutic products for the treatment of dermatological and ocular diseases via topical administration, and Wyeth has the right to develop therapeutic products for all other indications and routes of delivery.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pharmacopeia will receive a $5 million upfront payment and may also receive, over the next three years, up to $9 million in research funding. In addition, Pharmacopeia may receive up to $175 million upon Wyeth's achievement of certain preclinical, clinical, regulatory and commercialization milestones, as well as double-digit royalties on the net sales of any products commercialized by Wyeth under the collaboration. Each company is responsible for all development, regulatory, manufacturing and commercialization activities for the products it develops and commercializes in its field.

"This agreement with Wyeth reflects our progress on JAK3, an innovative and attractive target in immunoregulation. It provides Pharmacopeia with research funding to further advance the JAK3 program, and recognizes the value already built up by Pharmacopeia," noted Les Browne, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacopeia. "Wyeth, with its global franchises and significant expertise in the development of therapeutics for both autoimmune disease and transplantation, is an ideal partner for Pharmacopeia for the JAK3 program. Importantly, Pharmacopeia retains certain rights that allow us to build our own clinical portfolio," continued Dr. Browne.

ABOUT PHARMACOPEIA

Pharmacopeia is committed to discovering and developing novel therapeutics to address significant medical needs. The Company has a broad portfolio advancing towards clinical validation, both independently and with partners. Pharmacopeia's most advanced internal program is a dual-acting angiotensin and endothelin receptor antagonist (DARA) for resistant hypertension and diabetic kidney disease that is currently in preclinical development. Other internal proprietary programs address immunoregulation. Three partnered programs are in active Phase I clinical trials: p38 MAP kinase inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis, CXCR2 antagonists for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and an enzyme inhibitor for oncology. Six additional partnered compounds are in preclinical development. Pharmacopeia's discovery, development and commercialization partnerships are with leading pharmaceutical companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Organon, Schering-Plough, Cephalon, Celgene and Wyeth.

This press release, and oral statements made with respect to information contained in this press release, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include those which express plan, anticipation, intent, goal, contingency or future development and/or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. These statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. These forward- looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the successful implementation of Pharmacopeia's strategic plans, Pharmacopeia's and Wyeth's abilities to successfully perform under their collaboration, Pharmacopeia's plans to develop its DARA program and file an IND with respect to the program, Pharmacopeia's ability to successfully perform under its collaborations with Cephalon and GlaxoSmithKline, Pharmacopeia's ability to build its pipeline of novel drug candidates through its own internally-funded drug discovery programs, third party collaborations and in-licensing, the continuation and funding level of such continuation of Pharmacopeia's existing drug discovery collaboration with N.V. Organon, Pharmacopeia's intentions regarding the establishment of new drug discovery collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations, Pharmacopeia's ability to raise additional capital, Pharmacopeia's expectations concerning the development priorities of its collaborators, their ability to successfully develop compounds and its receipt of milestones and royalties from the collaborations, Pharmacopeia's anticipated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources, Pharmacopeia's expectations concerning the legal protections afforded by U.S. and international patent law, Pharmacopeia's ability to pursue the development of new compounds and other business matters without infringing the patent rights of others, additional competition, and changes in economic conditions.

Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in Pharmacopeia's Reports on Form 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Pharmacopeia urges you to carefully review and consider the disclosures found in its filings which are available in the SEC EDGAR database at http://www.sec.gov and from Pharmacopeia at http://www.pharmacopeia.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release and oral statements made with respect to information contained in this press release are qualified entirely by the cautionary statements included in this press release and such filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Pharmacopeia undertakes no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) publicly update or revise the statements made herein or the risk factors that may relate thereto whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Wyeth licenses Pharmacopeia's JAK3 program

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:01:35 -0500

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has struck a development pact involving Pharmacopeia's JAK3 inhibitor program. The program focuses on the activation of T-cells for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other immunological conditions. Pharmacopeia retains commercialization rights for the treatment of dermatological and ocular diseases via topical administration while Wyeth gains all other rights in exchange for a $5 million upfront payment, up to $9 million in research funds over three years and up to $175 million in milestone payments.

- here's the release on the licensing deal

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ALSO NOTED: Allos gains orphan status for cancer therapy; NICE recommends against Velcade; and much more...

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:00:50 -0400

> Allos Therapeutics has gained orphan drug status for an experimental cancer therapy. Report

> The U.K.'s drug watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, has recommended against covering Velcade, saying its effectiveness against myeloma is unclear. Report

> NICE, however, decided to back Enbrel and Raptiva for severe psoriasis. Report

> The National Cancer Institute has begun a late-stage trial of Cytogen's Quadramet in combination with Zometa as a therapy for lung, breast and prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. Release

> Acambis said that its revenues this year would likely suffer from changes in a U.S. government contract for smallpox vaccine. Article

> Avalon Pharmaceuticals and ChemDiv have inked a collaboration for the discovery and development of small molecule oncology therapeutics. Release

> Iconix Pharmaceuticals announced a services agreement with Merck KGaA in which Iconix scientists will compare several of Merck's compounds with compounds from similar classes of molecules and with marketed products to gain insight into the safety of new drug candidates. Release

> Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma and Bristol-Myers K.K. have concluded an agreement on the marketing rights of anti-hypertension and hepatocellular cancer drug. Release

And Finally… South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk, the man at the center of an international scandal over faked stem cell research, explained that some of the research money that investigators went looking for was spent on a failed effort to clone an extinct mammoth. He is on trial for embezzling funds. Article

VC: VLST lands $55M second round

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 20:01:32 -0400

VLST lands $55M second round

VENTURE CAPITAL
COMPANY	AMOUNT/ROUND	LEAD INVESTORS	DESCRIPTION
VLST Seattle, WA	$55M Second	Texas Pacific Group Ventures	VLST is studying the way in which viruses attack immune systems in order to devise new therapies for multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and lupus.
Tengion King of Prussia, PA	$50M Second	Quaker BioVentures, Bain Capital	Tengion is developing a method for making replacement organs from the cells of patients.
Rib-X New Haven, CT	$50M Third	Warburg Pincus	Rib-X is researching next-gen antibiotics.
Adnexus Therapeutics Waltham, MA	$27M Second	Venrock Associates	Adnexus is researching a class of protein therapeutics.
GlycoMimetics Gaithersburg, MD	$15.4M Second	New Enterprise Associates	GlycoMimetics is developing novel drug therapies based on specific roles played by certain carbohydrates.

ALSO NOTED: GSK to submit bird flu vaccine in October; Serono touts Raptiva data; and much more...

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 20:00:50 -0400

> GlaxoSmithKline says it will apply for European marketing approval for a new vaccine to prevent bird flu in October. Glaxo started clinical trials in March. Report

> Serono announced that a 12-week study of Raptiva demonstrated a significant improvement among patients with psoriasis, even among patients who were resistant to other therapies. The drug was well tolerated among trial subjects. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that requires long-term therapy. Serono expects sales of Raptiva to grow from $33 million last year to $250 million in four years. Report

> Blaming unexpectedly low revenue from its genomics division, Gene Logic has withdrawn its advisory for 2006 and 2007, sending shares down. Report

> Human Genome Sciences says a Phase II trial of LymphoStat-B demonstrates it was effective in reducing the disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus and was safe and well tolerated. A Phase III trial is planned. Release

> GenMab shares were buoyed by news that a small Phase II study of AMG 714 demonstrated efficacy against rheumatoid arthritis. Report

> Takeda's full pipeline of experimental therapies has turned analysts bullish about the company's future prospects. Report (WSJ sub. req.)

> Molecular Insight announced that the FDA has put its cancer drug Azedra on the regulator's fast track and begun a Phase I trial. Report

> Anticipation is growing for an FDA decision on Oxymorphone ER, a pain med from Penwest and Endo. Report

> Chutes & Ladders: Dr. Hamish Cameron has been appointed CEO of CAT Ltd. Release

> ISTA Pharmaceuticals will issue $40 million in notes. Report

> New studies show that Orencia and Rituxan both offer rheumatoid arthritis patients substantial benefits. Report

> A new study shows that the old cancer drug Cytoxan has some effect as a therapy for scleroderma, a disfiguring autoimmune disease. Article

> An independent panel has recommended that Neopharm continue a late-stage trial of its experimental therapy for brain tumors. Release

> And Finally… The FDA is developing a new Web-based reporting system for adverse events. Report

VLST lands $55M in VC

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 20:01:36 -0400

The small biotech start-up VLST has landed a big second round of venture capital. The Seattle-based company, which was founded by two former Amgen researchers, has hauled in $55 million from a group of VC firms led by Texas Pacific Group Ventures and joined by Amgen Ventures, MedImmune Ventures, WRF Capital and others. VLST is studying the way in which viruses attack immune systems in order to devise new therapies for multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and lupus.

- read this Seattle Post-Intelligencer report

DEALS: Novartis signs two major licensing deals

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 20:01:32 -0400

Novartis signs two major licensing deals

DEALS
WHO	WITH	WHAT	SCOOP
Novartis	Human Genome Sciences	$552.2M licensing deal	Novartis has licensed HGS's hepatitis C drug Albuferon for an upfront payment of $45 million and milestones of up to $507.5 million for the development of the therapy.
Novartis	Cytopia	$274 licensing deal	Novartis will pay Cytopia $13M in up front fees as part of a $274M package that includes major milestones on new therapies to prevent transplant rejection and to treat auto-immune diseases.
AnGes	Vical	$100M licensing deal	Japan's AnGes has agreed to pay up to $100 million in research funding and milestone fees in a licensing deal for Vical's Allovectin-7 cancer therapy.
BioLineRx	Gevys Pharmaceuticals	Licensing deal	The deal is for worldwide rights to Gevys Pharmaceuticals' experimental pain drug BL-3010.
Novartis	NeuTec Pharma	$569M acquisition	Novartis has bid $569 million to acquire NeuTec Pharma, a British drug developer with several late-stage candidates in the pipeline. NeuTec's board has backed the takeover.
Covance	Signet Laboratories	$8.95M asset acquisition	Covance has acquired most of the assets of Signet Laboratories for $8.95 million.
Biogen Idec	Fumapharm	Acquisition	The companies will continue to collaborate BG-12 for MS and psoriasis and Biogen Idec will expand its European operations.
PerkinElmer	Clinical & Analytical Service Solutions	Acquisition	PerkinElmer has acquired Clinical & Analytical Service Solutions for an undisclosed sum.
Gilead Sciences	Raylo Chemicals	$147.8M buyout	Gilead says it needs Raylo, a subsidiary of Germany's Degussa, for its experience as a chemical and manufacturing experience.
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals	Quill Medical	$40M buyout	Quill Medical makes the Contour Threads surgical suture product.
Bristol-Myers Squibb	Lexicon Genetics	$20M alliance	Bristol-Myers Squibb has extended its alliance with Lexicon Genetics on psychiatry and neurology therapies by two years, adding another $20 million in new research funds.
Parata Systems	McKesson'	Sale	Parata Systems has inked a deal to buy virtually all of the assets in McKesson's automated prescriptions systems division. McKesson becomes Parata's sole third-party distributor in the U.S.
CombinatoRx	Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics	$13.8M collaboration	The companies will collaborate to find new drug combination therapies for cystic fibrosis.
Highland Clan	Raptor Pharmaceutical	Reverse takeover	Raptor will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Highland and Highland will focus solely on the development of Raptor's RAP technology.

Isotechnika reports positive psoriasis data

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:01:37 -0500

Isotechnika is reporting improved data from a Phase III trial of its lead drug for psoriasis. Researchers are reporting interim data on ISA247 that shows a higher dose raised average improvements to 64 percent from 41 percent. The Canadian company said that 101 patients have dropped out of the trial, 15 because of adverse reactions, one of which was serious. Isotechnika said that most of the dropouts were the result of "trial fatigue." ISA247 is also in a Phase IIa trial for kidney transplantation.

- here's the CP report for more trial information

Biotech drugs offer first real help for severe psoriasis

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 19:01:37 -0500

The New York Times examines how the new biologics like Centocor's Remicade have provided the first real help for patients with psoriasis. Over the past two years other biologics like Amevive, Enbrel, Raptiva and Humira have all demonstrated efficacy in treating psoriasis. And some, like Remicade, have posted astonishingly high rates of effectiveness. Treatments, however, can cost between $15,000 and $25,000 a year and side effects are still not completely understood.

- read this article from The New York Times for more

Remicade trial reconfirms effectiveness against psoriasis

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:01:38 -0400

A new Phase III trial in the UK has demonstrated again that Schering-Plough's Remicade can be very effective against moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In one indice, 80 percent of patients had a 75 percent improvement in psoriasis, compared to 1 percent of patients taking a placebo. One-in-four patients had a complete clearing of the skin. Remicade is currently approved for Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The data will help Johnson & Johnson make its case that Remicade's label should be expanded to include psoriasis.

"There is a significant number of patients with difficult to treat, high-need psoriasis for whom Remicade represents a significant therapeutic advance," said Jonathan Barker, Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Kings College Medical School.

- read this report from Forbes for more